JP2003284764A - Treatment process for cleaning and sterilizing used medical instruments - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a treatment process for efficiently cleaning, sterilizing and deodorizing used medical instruments, which are used repeatedly, in a short time with an aqueous solution of chlorine dioxide and/or chlorine dioxide gas having particularly high bactericidal property. <P>SOLUTION: A preliminary cleaning treatment for removing blood, mucus and material extraneous matter such as microtissue fragments adhered to external portions and interiors of duct lines or hollow portions of medical instruments inserted into a body is conducted, the medical instruments subjected to the preliminary cleaning are immersed in an aqueous solution of chlorine dioxide, and/or the aqueous solution of chlorine dioxide is passed through the interiors of duct lines or hollow portions, and the thus-treated instruments are then left to stand in an atmosphere of chlorine dioxide gas, and/or chlorine dioxide gas is passed through the interiors of duct lines or hollow portions, thereby subjecting the external portions and interiors of duct lines or hollow portions of the medical instruments to a cleaning, sterilizing and deodorizing treatment. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for cleaning and sterilizing used medical instruments. The target of the processing in the present invention is a fiberscope such as a gastroscope or other various endoscopes, laparoscopes, thoracoscopes, various endoscopes such as arthroscopes,
Others, such as catheters and tubes, have long conduits or hollow portions, and most of them are medical instruments that are repeatedly used while being inserted into the body.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Inexpensive medical materials such as syringes, needles, and drip devices are discarded without repeated reuse for prevention of nosocomial infection of bacteria and viruses and other medical accidents and for economic reasons. It is often referred to as a so-called disposable device. However, as a general rule, expensive medical instruments such as gastroscopes and other fiberscopes such as endoscopes, laparoscopes, thoracoscopes, arthroscopes and other endoscopes, and other catheters, tubes, etc. must be used repeatedly. . After use, medical instruments of this kind must be washed by hand washing or automatic washing machine from the standpoint of infection prevention, and then sterilized, deodorized and dried.

Medical instruments of this kind having a passage for gas, a viscous liquid, a fluid, etc. such as a fiberscope, and narrow diameter conduits (channels) such as a forceps insertion passage or a hollow portion are reliably washed. It is also known as a medical device that is extremely difficult to disinfect and disinfect. To clean, sterilize, and deodorize these medical instruments, use various cleaning solutions on the outer surface and inside of the duct or hollow part, if necessary, by ultrasonic cleaning, etc., and then disinfect ethanol,
Traditional sterilization by wiping with a high-grade ammonium disinfectant, iodine disinfectant, aldehyde disinfectant, etc. or sterilization by immersion in various disinfectants, and gas sterilization by storing formalin gas, ethylene oxide gas, etc. in a sealed atmosphere. Sterilization and disinfection methods are widely adopted.

In such a method, the time required for the sterilization / deodorization treatment was long, and frequent reuse was impossible. If a complex cleaning device is used, it will be very expensive. In addition, there are EOG sterilization method and heat sterilization method by autoclave, but it is known that sterilization failure occurs when air remains in the pipeline or hollow portion.
Therefore, there is a demand for a sterilization / deodorization / drying method and apparatus capable of safely, simply and reliably sterilizing and deodorizing such medical instruments.

An aqueous solution of chlorine dioxide or a gas is known as a suitable medium for sterilization and deodorization. Chlorine dioxide has long been known to have a strong bleaching action, and many production methods have been proposed.

However, industrially produced high-concentration chlorine dioxide acts as a strong oxidant and may react with other substances to generate high-concentration chlorine, which may cause a slight explosion risk. Therefore, a 5% aqueous solution of "stabilized chlorine dioxide" developed by International Lyoxide Co., Ltd. is supplied as chlorine dioxide that is less dangerous and easy to handle, and the chlorine dioxide aqueous solution is diluted to an appropriate concentration depending on the application. Is used as.

Chlorine dioxide gas obtained by vaporizing such a stabilized chlorine dioxide aqueous solution is safe without a strong irritating odor, and is highly sterilized by contact with an object.
Exhibits various effects such as deodorization and disinfection. The effects of sterilization and sterilization of various viruses, bacteria, fungi, and pathogenic fungi are remarkable, and the purpose can be achieved in a short time. In addition, it has a strong deodorizing effect, exhibits a deodorizing effect against chemical substance odors and rotten odors, and further has an effect of inhibiting the reproduction itself of microorganisms that cause the generation of malodors.

As a disinfecting / deodorizing method and device using chlorine dioxide, an object to be disinfected is charged in a sealed space, and an aqueous solution of chlorine dioxide is made into a mist and sprayed into the space to disinfect the object to be disinfected. Method and device for disinfection and deodorization (Patent Document 200
However, it is difficult to surely disinfect and deodorize used medical instruments having a conduit or a hollow portion by such a treatment.

Further, the inventor of the present application has proposed a method and an apparatus for supplying a sterilizing deodorizing gas by irradiating this with a stabilized chlorine dioxide aqueous solution having such an effect as a gel and irradiating it with ultraviolet rays (JP-A-2000- 202009) or sterilize the object to be treated contained in the container by immersing the object to be treated in the stabilized chlorine dioxide aqueous solution or filling the container with gas generated from the stabilized chlorine dioxide. , A method of deodorizing (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-29440) and the like are proposed. However, even with these methods, it is difficult to surely disinfect and deodorize used medical instruments having a conduit or a hollow portion. Therefore, the inventor of the present invention has conducted research and experiments on a method for cleaning, sterilizing, and deodorizing used medical instruments having a long conduit or a hollow portion such as a gastroscope and various endoscopes, and carrying out the present invention. It has come.

[0010]

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a method for cleaning, sterilizing and deodorizing medical instruments which are repeatedly used, by using a chlorine dioxide aqueous solution and / or chlorine dioxide gas having particularly high bactericidal properties. An object is to provide a method for efficiently cleaning, sterilizing, and deodorizing a class of materials in a short time.

[0011]

The object of the present invention is to preliminarily wash medical instruments to be inserted into the body with clean water or the like, and then bring the instruments into contact with an aqueous solution of chlorine dioxide and / or chlorine dioxide gas. This can be solved by a method for cleaning and sterilizing used medical devices, which is a process for cleaning, sterilizing, and disinfecting the outside of the device and the inside of a pipe or a hollow portion.

Another object of the present invention is to pre-wash the above-mentioned medical instruments with clean water or the like, and then immerse them in an aqueous solution of chlorine dioxide and / or to pass an aqueous solution of chlorine dioxide through the pipe line or the hollow portion. By washing, sterilizing or disinfecting the outside of the medical device and the inside of the duct or hollow part by washing or sterilizing by dipping in a chlorine dioxide aqueous solution and applying ultrasonic vibration. It is solved by a sterilization method.

Further, the object of the present invention is to carry out preliminary cleaning of the medical instruments with clean water or the like, and then store the medical instruments in a chlorine dioxide gas atmosphere and / or to oxidize them inside the pipeline or hollow portion. This can be solved by a method for cleaning and sterilizing used medical devices, in which chlorine gas is allowed to flow to clean, sterilize, and disinfect the outside of the medical devices and the inside of the conduits and hollow portions.

An object of the present invention is to carry out a pre-washing treatment for removing tangible deposits such as blood / mucus, micro-tissue pieces and the like attached to the outside of the medical instruments and the inside of the duct or the hollow portion, The pre-cleaned medical device is dipped in an aqueous solution of chlorine dioxide and / or the aqueous solution of chlorine dioxide is allowed to flow through the inside of the conduit or the hollow portion, and then placed in an atmosphere of chlorine dioxide gas and / or the conduit or By passing chlorine dioxide gas inside the hollow part, sterilizing, disinfecting and deodorizing the outside of the medical device and the inside of the pipe line / hollow part, it is advantageous by the method of cleaning and sterilizing used medical devices Will be resolved to.

The chlorine dioxide aqueous solution sent from the stabilized chlorine dioxide aqueous solution tank 10 to the container 16 for containing medical devices may be activated by ultraviolet irradiation or an acidic substance with respect to the stabilized chlorine dioxide aqueous solution. . In this case, a plurality of connecting nozzles for connecting the conduits or hollow parts of the medical instruments are provided at appropriate portions of the piping from the pressurized tank such as the chlorine dioxide solution tank, and one end of the tubular conduit or hollow part is connected to the nozzles. By connecting and cleaning and disinfecting (pipe flow method), it is possible to surely perform sterilization, disinfection, and deodorization treatment of the pipeline or hollow part of used medical devices.

The chlorine dioxide gas sent from the chlorine dioxide gas supply device 20 to the container 16 for containing medical instruments is irradiated with ultraviolet rays or chemically reacts with an acidic substance to the stabilized chlorine dioxide aqueous solution or its gel form. Can be caused by. The chlorine dioxide gas from the chlorine dioxide gas supply device 20 can be configured to circulate between the chlorine dioxide gas and the container 16 that stores medical instruments.

In this case, a plurality of connecting nozzles for connecting the conduits or hollow portions of medical instruments are provided at appropriate portions of the piping from the chlorine dioxide gas supply device 20, and the tubular conduits or hollow portions are connected to the nozzles. To clean and disinfect (tube flow method)
As a result, the sterilization / disinfection / deodorization treatment of the conduits or hollow portions of used medical devices can be reliably performed. As the sterilizing / deodorizing gas, chlorine dioxide gas alone or a mixed gas with carbon dioxide gas can be used.

In the present invention, the endoscope, arthroscope,
In preparation for repeated use of various medical instruments with conduits or hollow parts such as catheters and tubes, chlorine dioxide aqueous solution and chlorine dioxide gas, which exert a powerful sterilizing effect, are used as cleaning, sterilizing and deodorizing media. Therefore, it is possible to surely perform disinfection / washing / drying in a short time, and prevent medical accidents such as infection with HBV (hepatitis B virus), hepatitis C virus, AIDS virus and the like.

The concentration of the chlorine dioxide aqueous solution used in the present invention is 50 ppm to 1,200 ppm, and further 1
About 100 ppm to about 150 ppm is preferable, pH is 5 or less, and further, pH is 4 or less. The concentration of chlorine dioxide gas used in the present invention is 5 ppm to
1,000ppm, further around 10ppm ~ 300p
It is preferably about pm.

An ultrasonic vibrator can be added to the inside of the chlorine dioxide aqueous solution container, and ultrasonic vibration is applied in combination with the jet flow or circulating flow of the aqueous solution to enhance the chlorine dioxide generation efficiency and medical treatment. It is possible to efficiently remove sludge and the like adhering to instruments. The ultrasonic oscillator may be of any type, but it is convenient that the output can be changed according to the object of cleaning, sterilization, and disinfection. As a result of the flow of the chlorine dioxide aqueous solution thus obtained and contact with chlorine dioxide gas, reliable cleaning and sterilization are performed. In particular, medical instruments having a long conduit or hollow portion and the inside of a complicated shape are sufficiently washed.

Further, in the present invention, when the chlorine dioxide aqueous solution is removed, the cleaning treatment and the drying treatment with clean water can be carried out, and the chlorine dioxide gas is discharged from the pipeline or the hollow portion. At this time, the aeration process (air flow cleaning process) can be performed. Furthermore, it is possible to perform cleaning and drying treatment with clean water after completion of cleaning, sterilizing and disinfecting treatment on the outside of the medical instruments and the inside of the conduit or the hollow portion.

In the present invention, chlorine dioxide gas may be used alone as a gas for sterilization, disinfection, deodorization, etc., but a mixture of chlorine dioxide gas and carbon dioxide gas is sterilized.
It may be a method of directly spraying the object to be deodorized or the like or discharging the object in a desired space for storing the object at an appropriate ratio. Chlorine dioxide gas and carbon dioxide gas, as well as their mixtures, act synergistically to exert powerful effects such as sterilization, disinfection and deodorization. In the present invention, a container for chlorine dioxide aqueous solution and a container for chlorine dioxide gas may be used together.

According to the present invention as described above, the mixture of chlorine dioxide gas and / or carbon dioxide gas is discharged into the gas cleaning / sterilization container, and is then allowed to flow through the pipeline or the container so that the mixture is introduced into the container. It has effects such as sterilization, disinfection, deodorization, etc. not only on the outside of the stored medical devices but also on the pipeline or hollow part.

Further, according to the method for cleaning and sterilizing medical instruments according to the present invention having the above-mentioned structure,
Compared with the sterilization method, reliable sterilization, disinfection, deodorization, etc. can be performed in a short time, and serious medical accidents such as infection caused by residual or adhered bacteria and viruses can be prevented.

Further, in the present invention, an ozone generator can be added near the gas outlet in the chlorine dioxide gas container. Thereby, the bactericidal property can be further enhanced. Further, in the present invention, it is sent from the sterilizing gas supply device, to the environment by combining an adsorbing means for adsorbing the chlorine dioxide component in the exhaust gas after passing through the medical instruments to be sterilized and deodorized. The influence can be eliminated.

[0026]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 shows an example of the basic configuration of a method for cleaning and sterilizing used medical devices according to the present invention.

Reference numeral 1 is a conceptual representation of a chlorine dioxide aqueous solution treatment container having a concentration of 100 ppm to 150 p.
An aqueous solution adjusted to about pm and pH of about 4,
It is supplied and filled from a pressurized tank, for example a stabilized chlorine dioxide solution tank. The aqueous solution treatment container 1 is manufactured to have a size that allows medical instruments to be washed, sterilized, disinfected, etc. to be dipped therein. Further, it is convenient that the aqueous solution treatment container 1 is provided with a device for circulating the aqueous solution as a jet, such as an agitator, a circulation pump, a jet nozzle, or the like. Further, an ultrasonic transducer is added to the inner wall surface or the bottom surface of the container, which is used as necessary.
The material of this container is not particularly limited, but stainless steel, which has excellent corrosion resistance, is suitable. Alternatively, it may be a hard glass or a ceramic container.

Further, the pipe from the pressure tank arranged upstream of the aqueous solution treatment container 1 is provided with a plurality of connecting nozzles for connecting one end of a conduit (channel) or a hollow portion of medical instruments. The nozzle is connected to a conduit (channel) or hollow portion of medical instruments. The jet of pressurized stabilized chlorine dioxide aqueous solution from the tank passes through the nozzle to wash and sterilize the conduits or hollow portions of the medical instruments. Then, it is discharged from the other end of the pipe line or the hollow portion, and the inside is cleaned and sterilized. By such a flow of the chlorine dioxide aqueous solution and, if necessary, a synergistic action with ultrasonic vibration, the cleaning and sterilization treatments are surely performed outside the medical instruments and inside the conduits.

In this case, the processing time for cleaning and sterilization is
Although appropriately set depending on the medical device to be treated, it is desirable to maintain the state in which the aqueous solution treatment container 1 is filled with the aqueous solution of chlorine dioxide for about 5 to 10 minutes. By discharging the aqueous solution treated in this way from the container 1, the container can be used as a chlorine dioxide gas treatment container in the case of performing a two-stage treatment of an aqueous solution treatment and a gas sterilization treatment.

In carrying out the gas sterilization treatment with chlorine dioxide gas using the same container, after washing and sterilizing treatment with an aqueous solution for a predetermined time, the aqueous solution is discharged from the aqueous solution treatment container 1 to rapidly release chlorine dioxide gas. It is supplied and gas sterilization processing is performed. In order to perform chlorine dioxide gas sterilization by a separate gas treatment container, medical instruments from which water droplets have been removed as shown by the downward dotted arrow in FIG. 1 are transferred to the chlorine dioxide gas treatment container 2. Chlorine dioxide gas adjusted to about 10 to 300 ppm is suitable for gas sterilization. As a result, the sterilization / disinfection treatment of the inside of the pipeline or the hollow portion, which tends to cause unevenness particularly in the washing and sterilization treatment with the aqueous solution, is surely performed.

The chlorine dioxide gas from the chlorine dioxide gas supply device 20 is configured to circulate between the chlorine dioxide gas supply device 20 and the processing container 2 (or 1). A plurality of connecting nozzles are provided for connecting one ends of the conduits or hollow portions of medical devices, and the tubular conduits or hollow portions are connected to the nozzles. The circulating flow of chlorine dioxide gas discharged from the gas supply device passes through the nozzle to sterilize, disinfect and deodorize the pipelines or hollow portions of medical instruments. The chlorine dioxide gas released from the other end of the pipe or the hollow portion fills the gas treatment container 2 and reliably cleans and sterilizes the outside of the medical instruments.

Further, the gas processing container 2 is equipped with a pressure adjusting device, a heating device, etc., and the internal pressure and temperature can be adjusted appropriately. The internal pressure of the gas processing container 2 is such that the chlorine dioxide gas and other additive gas fed into the gas processing container 2 are kept in a desired state, and the release gas pressure is controlled by adjusting the heating temperature. For example, the heating temperature is 80-100
The temperature and pressure may be about 4 to 5 kg / square meter.

In this case, the mixing ratio of chlorine dioxide gas and carbon dioxide discharged into the container 2 is 5: 95-9.
It can be adjusted in a wide range such as 5: 5, and can be appropriately changed depending on the object to be sterilized, disinfected, deodorized, etc. Therefore, the mixed gas thus released is a carbon dioxide gas (carbon dioxide gas) containing chlorine dioxide, which is a gas and / or a mist having a temperature of about 30 ° C to 50 ° C.

Although the gas concentration in the discharge space is generally about 10 to 300 ppm, a sufficient effect can be obtained.
If there are special circumstances, it is possible to adjust the density over a wider range.

Here, chlorine dioxide gas and carbon dioxide gas are respectively sent from the gas supply device to the gas container 2 through pipes, and the mixed gas (chlorine dioxide gas + carbon dioxide gas) is adjusted by adjusting the pressure and / or the temperature. Or as a single gas of chlorine dioxide to vaporize to a specified concentration
It is released. If the sterilization of the medical instruments that have been pre-cleaned is sufficient with the one-step treatment with chlorine dioxide gas, the gas sterilization container 2 can be directly transferred from the pre-cleaning block as shown by the horizontal dotted arrow in Fig. 1. All you have to do is move.

The used medical instruments to be treated are first preliminarily washed with a neutral detergent or other suitable detergent to remove adhered substances such as blood and mucus on the outer peripheral portion, proteins, etc., and to clean the duct or hollow portion. Cleaning with a benzalkonium chloride solution or glutaral solution will ensure more reliable cleaning. Further, it is still more preferable to wipe the lens portion with a lens cleaner. The medical instruments that have undergone such preliminary cleaning treatment are placed in the chlorine dioxide aqueous solution container 1, and a jet or vortex of the aqueous solution is added, and further, cleaning, sterilization, disinfection, and deodorization processing is performed while applying ultrasonic vibration.

Such cleaning with an aqueous solution of chlorine dioxide is carried out for a preset time depending on the type of medical instrument and the degree of contamination. The concentration of the aqueous solution also has a wide degree of freedom, but it should be selected according to the type of medical device and the diameter or length of the conduit or hollow portion. Generally, it may be performed at about 100 ppm to 150 ppm.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a structural example of a chlorine dioxide aqueous solution and a chlorine dioxide gas generator used in the method for cleaning and sterilizing medical instruments according to the present invention. The stabilized chlorine dioxide aqueous solution stored in the tank 10 is sent to the ultraviolet activating device 14 by the transfer pump 12 and passes through this to be activated. The UV activation device 14 includes an airtight UV irradiation lamp UV that can be turned on in an aqueous solution.
15 is provided, and when the stabilized chlorine dioxide aqueous solution passes around the lamp 15, the stabilized chlorine dioxide aqueous solution is activated. The configuration according to this embodiment is suitable for continuous processing. There are various methods of performing this activation treatment, and it is also possible to perform it chemically.

The chlorine dioxide aqueous solution thus activated is fed into the chlorine dioxide aqueous solution or chlorine dioxide gas container 16 (the aqueous solution treatment container or the gas treatment container in FIG. 1),
Cleaning, sterilization, and disinfection treatment using the above-mentioned aqueous solution is performed. It should be noted that cleaning, sterilization, and disinfection treatment is promoted by performing heating by a heater (not shown) and ultrasonic vibration by the ultrasonic generator 17.

The chlorine dioxide gas from the chlorine dioxide gas supply device 20 is discharged from the container 16 as an aqueous chlorine dioxide solution and decompressed by the decompression pump 21.
The gas is rapidly supplied into the atmosphere, and gas sterilization of medical instruments is performed in the atmosphere.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing a series of operations of the method for cleaning and sterilizing used medical instruments according to the present invention. Initially, used medical devices are pre-washed with blood, mucus, human tissue pieces and the like that adhere to the outside when inserted into the human body (step S1).

In this preliminary cleaning, a detergent, a cleaning medium, a cleaning aid, etc. designated in advance by the manufacturer of the medical device are used in accordance with the type of medical device, the purpose of use, the content of the adhered substances, etc. Care must be taken not to cause damage, alteration, malfunction, etc. For example, in the case of a plastic member, a neutral detergent is mixed with lukewarm water and the outside is washed with a soft sponge scrubber or the like.
It is also desirable to clean the inside of the pipeline, pipe, recess, etc. as reliably as possible, including pressurized air supply, water flow, brush cleaning, and ultrasonic cleaning if circumstances permit. Needless to say.

Next, it is judged whether the aqueous solution sterilization treatment (1) or the gas sterilization treatment (2) with a chlorine dioxide aqueous solution (ClO ₂ ) is performed (step S2). The criteria for this determination depend on the type, structure, contamination status, etc. of the medical device. When carrying out the aqueous solution sterilization treatment (1), the aqueous solution washing container 16 is filled with an aqueous chlorine dioxide solution, and medical instruments to be washed are immersed to wash and sterilize the outside. In this case, it is desirable to wash and sterilize the inside of the tubular body by allowing the aqueous solution to flow therethrough. Such aqueous solution sterilization
It may be appropriately selected within the range of about 2 minutes to 10 minutes depending on the type of medical device. In this case, it should be considered that heating, ultrasonic vibration, etc. are added depending on the type of medical device.

After the cleaning and sterilizing treatment according to a predetermined procedure and time is completed for the medical instruments, after rinsing treatment (cleaning with clean water) if necessary,
A drying process is performed (step S4). This drying time is determined depending on the type of the medical device, the difficulty of the structure, the constituent material, etc., but it may be about several minutes to 10 minutes.

Then, it is judged whether or not the gas sterilization treatment (2) with chlorine dioxide gas is necessary (step S
5). When it is determined that only the aqueous solution sterilization process is sufficient and the gas sterilization process is unnecessary depending on the type and structure of the medical device, the process according to the present invention is completed.

When it is determined in step S2 that gas sterilization (2) is necessary from the beginning and when it is determined in step S5 that gas sterilization after aqueous solution sterilization is required, a gas sterilization container is filled with chlorine dioxide gas. Then, the gas sterilization process is performed (step S6). In the gas sterilization process, the gas sterilization container is filled with chlorine dioxide gas to sterilize the inside of the tubular part as well as the outside. If the tubular portion is narrow or long, a gas discharge nozzle is connected to the tubular portion or hollow portion to ensure internal sterilization.

Next, in order to reliably discharge the gas remaining in the pipeline or hollow portion that has been subjected to the gas sterilization treatment, aeration (gas elimination treatment) is performed (step S7).
If it is determined that aeration is not necessary depending on the type and structure of the medical device, this process may be omitted.

[0048]

[Example 1] Hereinafter, the test results of the sterilization / disinfection effect when a pre-contaminated medical instrument (OES upper gastrointestinal general-purpose fiberscope: endoscope) is washed and sterilized with an aqueous solution of chlorine dioxide will be disclosed. (Test inspection purpose: Microbiological verification of endoscopic disinfection effect of chlorine dioxide) Test material: Chlorine dioxide aqueous solution 500ppm (manufactured by Sunseal Co., Ltd.) Test equipment: OES upper gastrointestinal general-purpose fiberscope ( Endoscope) Test strain manufactured by Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Staphylococcus aureus: Staphylococcus aureus ATTC 25923 ... Escherichia coli: Escherichia coli ATTC 25922 Working medium ... SCDLP agar medium (manufactured by Eiken Kagaku) Lot. 28005 SCDLP broth medium (Eiken Chemical Co., Ltd.) Lot. 28003 Test bacterium solution preparation test strain was prepared using McFarlan with sterile physiological saline.
d No. The inoculum was prepared by adjusting the turbidity to 1.

Test method (1) The tip of the endoscope was closed with parafilm, 1.5 ml of the test bacterial solution was injected from the forceps mouth using a sterile pipette, and then left for 5 minutes to obtain forceps. Contaminated the channel. (2) The tip of the endoscope is opened, and 2000 ml of clean water is injected from the forceps port to wash the inside of the forceps channel. The number of bacteria was measured for 100 ml at the start of washing. (3) Using a pump, air was supplied from the forceps port for 10 minutes at a rate of 2000 ml / min. (4) The cells were washed again with 100 ml of sterilized water, and the number of bacteria was measured using the washing solution as a control. (5) The inside of the forceps channel was contaminated by the same procedure as in (1) above. (6) Open the tip, 2000 ml of chlorine dioxide solution
Was injected from the forceps mouth to wash the inside of the forceps channel for 15 minutes, and the number of bacteria was measured for 100 ml at the start of washing. (7) UV from UV lamp for gel chlorine dioxide
While accelerating the gasification by irradiating with, the generated chlorine dioxide gas was fed from the forceps port for 10 minutes at a rate of 2000 ml / min using a pump. (8) It was washed again with 100 ml of sterilized water, and the number of bacteria was measured using the washing solution as a sample.

Bacterial count and culture conditions (1) Staphylococcus aureus-Membrane filter method according to Japanese Pharmacopoeia with SCDLP agar medium-Agar plate pour method according to Japanese Pharmacopoeia with SCDLP agar medium-Double concentration SCDLP broth 10 ml Enrichment culture inoculated with 10 ml of sample Incubate aerobically at 35 ° C for 3 days with the above combination (2) Membrane filter method according to Japanese Pharmacopoeia with E. coli / SCDLP agar medium / Plate agar plate according to Japanese Pharmacopoeia with SCDLP agar medium Method / enrichment culture in which 10 ml of a sample was inoculated into 10 ml of double concentration SCDLP broth. Combined with the above, the aerobic culture at 35 ° C. for 3 days.

[0051]

[Table 1] Since no growth of the cultured bacteria was detected by the washing / sterilization treatment with the chlorine dioxide aqueous solution, the measurement when washing / sterilizing with the chlorine dioxide gas was not performed.

[0052]

[Example 2] Hereinafter, the test results of the sterilization / disinfection effect when a medical device (OES upper gastrointestinal general-purpose fiberscope: endoscope) that has been pre-contaminated is washed and sterilized with chlorine dioxide gas will be disclosed. (Purpose of test and inspection: Microbiological verification of endoscopic disinfection effect by chlorine dioxide gas) Test material: Gel chlorine dioxide 20000 ppm (manufactured by Sunseal Co., Ltd.) Equipment used: For gel chlorine dioxide Chlorine gas generator (manufactured by Sunseal Co., Ltd.) that irradiates UV from a UV lamp to generate chlorine dioxide gas, fumigation box (width 300 mm × depth 450 mm × height 150 mm) (manufactured by Sunseal Co., Ltd.) ), Sterilized spoid No. 4 (Eiken equipment) Test equipment: OES upper gastrointestinal general-purpose fiberscope (endoscope) Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. test strain: Staphylococcus saureus ATTC 25923 : Escherichia coli ATTC 25922 medium used ... SCD P agar medium (manufactured by Eiken Chemical Co., Ltd.) Lot. 28005 ..SCDLP broth medium (manufactured by Eiken Kagaku) Lot. 28003 A sample preparation test strain was used in McFarlan with sterile saline.
d No. What was adjusted to have a turbidity of 1 was sucked in 3 ml of a sterilized spoid and then extruded to contaminate, and the head portion was cut to obtain an inoculum solution.

Test method (1) The sample was set in a fumigation box, sealed, and then fumed with chlorine dioxide gas and left for 1 hour. As a control, chlorine dioxide gas was allowed to stand in the same state for 1 hour without being fumigated. (2) The sample was washed with 10 ml of a sterilized phosphate buffer solution, and the number of bacteria in the washed solution was measured. The method for measuring the number of bacteria was carried out as follows. Microbial count and culture conditions (1) Staphylococcus aureus-Plate agar plating method according to Japanese Pharmacopoeia with SCDLP agar medium-Double-concentration SCDLP broth 10 ml inoculated with 10 ml sample enriched culture Aerobic culture (2) Escherichia coli-SCDLP agar medium agar plate pour method according to the Japanese Pharmacopoeia-10% double-concentration SCDLP broth inoculated with 10 ml sample enrichment culture 35 ° C for 3 days Aerobic culture main test The results of the inspection are shown in Table 2.

[0054]

[Table 2]

As is clear from the above-mentioned test and inspection results, it is possible to surely perform a test and inspection similar to the method according to the present invention on the endoscope (gastric camera) contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. It has been microbiologically proved that a sterilizing and disinfecting effect can be obtained.

In the method for cleaning and sterilizing medical devices according to the present invention, after sterilizing and drying with such a chlorine dioxide aqueous solution, they are transferred to the same container or, if necessary, an independent gas container. Sterilization, disinfection, and deodorization are performed with chlorine dioxide gas. In particular, it is effective for sterilizing, disinfecting, and deodorizing the outside of various medical instruments such as endoscopes and the ducts or hollow parts, and also exerts a great effect for preventing nosocomial infections.

Furthermore, after the gas sterilization treatment in the same container or an independent gas container, an aeration treatment is carried out if necessary, and the chlorine dioxide residual component can be surely removed. Further, depending on the object to be treated, the gas container may be combined with an additional function such as an ozone generator which is effective for sterilization and deodorization.

[0058]

As described above, according to the method for cleaning and sterilizing used medical instruments according to the present invention, various endoscopes, catheters, which are provided with an elongated conduit or hollow portion,
Various medical instruments such as tubes can be surely sterilized, disinfected, deodorized, etc., the risk of nosocomial infections can be prevented, and safe and reliable inspection and surgery can be performed.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a method for cleaning and sterilizing used medical devices according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a chlorine dioxide aqueous solution and a chlorine dioxide gas generator used in the method for cleaning and sterilizing used medical devices according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a series of processes in a method for cleaning and sterilizing used medical devices according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Aqueous Solution Treatment Container (Chlorine Dioxide Aqueous Treatment Container) 2 Gas Treatment Container (Chlorine Dioxide Gas Treatment Container) 10 Stabilized Chlorine Dioxide Aqueous Tank 12 Transport Pump 14 UV Activator 15 Airtight UV Irradiation Lamp 16 Treatment Container (Chlorine Dioxide Aqueous Solution) Treatment container, chlorine dioxide gas treatment container) 17 Ultrasonic generator 20 Chlorine dioxide gas supply device 21 Decompression pump

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A medical instrument to be inserted into the body is preliminarily washed with clean water or the like, and then brought into contact with an aqueous solution of chlorine dioxide and / or chlorine dioxide gas so that the outside of the medical instrument and a conduit or a hollow portion thereof. Cleaning, sterilizing and disinfecting the inside, cleaning used medical equipment
Sterilization method. 2. The medical device is preliminarily washed with clean water or the like and then immersed in an aqueous chlorine dioxide solution and / or by allowing the aqueous chlorine dioxide solution to flow through the inside of the conduit or the hollow portion. The method for cleaning and sterilizing used medical devices according to claim 1, characterized in that the outside of the devices and the inside of the pipeline or the hollow part are cleaned, sterilized and disinfected. 3. The medical device is preliminarily washed with clean water or the like, and then immersed in an aqueous solution of chlorine dioxide to be subjected to ultrasonic vibration to wash the outside of the medical device and the inside of the pipeline or hollow portion. The method for cleaning and sterilizing used medical instruments according to claim 1, characterized by sterilizing and disinfecting. 4. The medical device is preliminarily washed with clean water or the like, and then the medical device is housed in a chlorine dioxide gas atmosphere and / or chlorine dioxide gas is allowed to flow through the pipeline or hollow portion. The method for cleaning and sterilizing used medical devices according to claim 1, wherein the outside of the medical devices and the inside of the conduit / hollow part are cleaned, sterilized, and disinfected. 5. A pre-cleaning treatment for removing tangible deposits such as blood / mucus, micro-tissue pieces and the like adhered to the outside of the medical device and the inside of the duct or the hollow portion is pre-cleaned. The medical device is immersed in a chlorine dioxide aqueous solution and / or a chlorine dioxide aqueous solution is caused to flow through the inside of the pipeline or hollow portion, and then placed in a chlorine dioxide gas atmosphere and / or inside the pipeline or hollow portion. The used medical device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the chlorine dioxide gas is allowed to flow to sterilize, disinfect, and deodorize the outside of the medical device and the inside of the pipe line / hollow part. Methods for cleaning and sterilizing items. 6. Cleaning and / or sterilization of the medical instruments
The pipe flow method in which one end of the pipe line or the hollow portion is connected to a jet nozzle of a pressurized chlorine dioxide aqueous solution for disinfection / deodorization is adopted. Cleaning of used medical devices according to any of 5
Sterilization method. 7. Cleaning and / or sterilization of the medical instruments
The pipe flow method of connecting to a jet nozzle of chlorine dioxide gas circulating at one end of the pipe line or the hollow portion for disinfection / deodorization is adopted. The method for cleaning and sterilizing used medical instruments as described in. 8. A stabilized dioxide of chlorine dioxide aqueous solution or gel which is activated by ultraviolet irradiation and / or addition of an acidic substance, wherein said chlorine dioxide used for sterilization / disinfection / deodorization treatment of said medical equipments. The method for cleaning and sterilizing used medical devices according to any one of claims 1 to 7, which is obtained from chlorine. 9. In the middle of each treatment step, a drying treatment for removing the chlorine dioxide aqueous solution and an aeration treatment for discharging the chlorine dioxide gas from the pipeline or the hollow portion are performed. Item 9. A method for cleaning and sterilizing used medical instruments according to any one of Items 1 to 8. 10. The cleaning and drying process with clean water is performed after the completion of the cleaning, sterilization, and disinfection processes on the outside of the medical device and the inside of the conduit or the hollow portion. The method for cleaning and sterilizing used medical devices according to any one of 1. 11. The chlorine dioxide solution has a concentration of 50 p.
The pH is 5 or less at pm to 1,200 ppm, and the pH is 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10.
The method for cleaning and sterilizing used medical devices according to any one of 1. 12. The chlorine dioxide gas has a concentration of 5 ppm.
The method for cleaning and sterilizing used medical devices according to any one of claims 1, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, and 10, characterized in that it is from about 1,000 ppm.